Origin and Habitat: Ravenea rivularis is known from four fragmented sites in the southwest of Madagascar, between Isalo, Sakaraha and Analavelona mountains. (Extent of occurrence of 2,122 km² and area of occupancy 144 km²). The species may be locally abundant, however, about 900 mature trees are estimated for the whole distribution range. Altitude: 350 e 750(-1000) metres over sea level.Habitat: Grows on shady riverbanks in lowland forest, and on waterlogged soils, but also grows in shallow and slow moving water. The threats to this species include habitat loss through clearance for shifting agriculture, logging, and mining for sapphires. Seeds are harvested from the wild for the horticultural trade and this may impact the regeneration potential of the species.

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Cultivation and Propagation: Ravenea rivularis is relatively easy to grow and very adaptable to soil type, but clay soil is much better than sand, or silt, because clay holds water, this palm is a very fast grower if the water is kept up to it. Ravenea rivularis is a great palm in a boggy spot where the land has been raped, and drainage is not so good. It is a palm with non-invasive roots.Fertilization: Need a perfect fertilizer diet including all micro nutrients and trace elements or slow release fertilizer, but particularly it is needs plentiful of magnesium. If it doesn't get enough magnesium, the leaves take on a rather unhealthy yellow colour. Light: Prefers full sun but will tolerate low light.Hardiness: Some cold tolerance. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2ºC and even a little snow . However it can be difficult to get it to look its best without a great amount of heat and sun.and so it is only really suited to the tropics in frost-free regions (USDA Zones 10-12)Drought tolerance: This palms like to be waterlogged, since their habitat is along riverbeds and in cultivation they appreciates very abundant waterings. During the summer or warmer months, water frequently (even every 2 days) to keep the soil from drying out. They need also elevated summer humidity, a dry atmosphere can be fatal.Remarks: Few people are aware of just how large this palm can get, and one often sees it planted in places where its going to cause real problems later on.Aerosol salt tolerance: It is moderately salt tolerant, but does a lot better inland then it does on the coast.Maintenance: Prune diseased, damaged or drying fronds, but do not prune if the frond still has some green colour. Palms recycle nutrients from dead or dying fronds and use them for healthier fronds. Palms only have a set number of new leaves that can sprout and grow per year and removing fronds will not increase that number. If you cut off more than what will grow annually, you could be left with a pretty bare and bald Palm.Propagation: Fresh seeds germinate quickly within a month of being planted and the seedlings are attractive.Use: Its very neat appearance and stature makes it perfect near highways and used to accent residential landscapes. It is also a very popular indoor plant, but really would prefer more light and fresh air. A shade screen patio will provide an excellent environment for young specimens which can eventually be planted in a sunny location. Pests & Diseases:Metamasius hemipterus.